There are initial reports of a terrorist attack earlier today in Samaria. A Palestinian resident of one of the villages near Tul Karem deliberately crashed his car into an operational security vehicle. The suspect then began attacking the occupants of the vehicle with an ax. ISA (Israel Security Agency) personnel shot and killed the suspect. Five security personnel were injured in the incident and security forces are continuing to investigate of the surrounding area.

The ISA operations took place in the area of Deir Sharaf (between the towns of Shave Shomron and Einav). The Palestinian car swerved off course and collided head-on with security forces travelling in a military jeep. As a result, the military jeep flipped over with all travelling inside sustaining minor injuries.

Soon after, the Palestinian driver left his vehicle and approached the jeep shouting “God is great.” He proceeded to attack those inside the vehicle wounding two. One of the ISA members drew his weapon, shot, and killed the suspect.

A source from the field said that “all the injured are being treated at the site by army medics. Two were evacuated by members of the Magen David Adom, while the remaining three await evacuation.

Since Operation Pillar of Defense, there have been an increased number of hostile terrorist events in Judea and Samaria, including stone throwing, disturbances, and attacks with firearms. Recently, a terrorist attack was carried out on a bus in Gush Etzion, inside the operational area of the Nahshon Battalion of the Kfir Brigade, who immediately arrived on scene to respond to the event. In addition, a wave of arrests has continued in Judea and Samaria. Over 100 suspected terrorists, some high ranking officials from various organizations, were arrested in cooperation with ISA forces and Israeli Police.

Two weeks ago, a senior official from Central Command said, “since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense, more events have occurred in Judea and Samaria, and there is an escalation that is occurring in every aspect. This is another reality and likewise we are increasing the amount of security forces operating in the area. We are doing everything we can so that escalation will end with the ceasefire, but this an operational reality that we are ready for.”